Apple losing over $1B a year on streaming service, the Information reports

Apple losing over $1B a year on streaming service, the Information reports

  • 20.03.2025 19:33
  • ksl.com
  • Keywords: Apple, Streaming Service

Apple loses over $1 billion annually on its streaming service, trailing Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime in subscribers despite bundling with other services.

Apple ServicesAAPLsentiment_dissatisfiedNFLXsentiment_satisfiedDISsentiment_satisfiedAMZNsentiment_satisfiedCMCSAsentiment_neutral

Estimated market influence

Apple

Apple

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Losing over $1B annually on streaming service

Netflix

Netflix

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Leading in subscriber count with 301.63M

Disney+

Disney+

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Strong market position with 124.6M subscribers

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Positivesentiment_satisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Prime Video is a key competitor

Comcast

Comcast

Neutralsentiment_neutral
Analyst rating: Buy

Bundles Apple TV+ with other services

Context

Business Insights and Market Implications

  • Apple's Streaming Loss: Apple is losing over $1 billion annually on its streaming service, Apple TV+.

  • Content Spending: The company spent $5 billion annually on content since launching Apple TV+ in 2019 but reduced spending by $500 million last year.

  • Subscriber Lag: Apple TV+ lags behind competitors like Netflix (301.63M subscribers), Disney+ (124.6M), and Amazon Prime Video (116.9M).

  • Estimated Subscribers: Apple TV+ is estimated to have reached 40.4 million subscribers by the end of 2024, according to analysts.

  • Award Recognition: Apple TV+ productions have earned 2,500 nominations and 538 wins, as highlighted by CEO Tim Cook.

  • Competitive Bundling: Media companies are bundling services at discounted rates. For example:

    • Comcast offers a bundle with Peacock and Netflix for $15/month.
    • Apple TV+ is part of the Apple One program, which bundles it with iCloud, Apple Music, etc.
    • Apple TV+ costs $9.99/month when purchased separately in the U.S.
  • Market Impact: The streaming industry is highly competitive, with companies focusing on discounted bundles to attract price-conscious consumers.

  • Strategic Considerations: Apple's reduced content spending and bundling strategy suggest a focus on cost management while competing in the streaming space.

  • Long-Term Effects: Continued losses may pressure Apple to adjust its streaming strategy, potentially through cost optimization or differentiation.